Have you given up on any books you started reading?

I didn't take to 'Birdsong', although I did finish it. I found Faulks's portrayal of women unconvincing.

I read once that Sebastian Faulks isn't a very good writer, so I've never attempted to read the book. I'm sure people who enjoy his books will disagree, but thay may be why you didn't get into it. I've just borrowed a copy of The Book Thief by Markus Zusak..picked it up and was was immediately taken with the style of writing and it's quirkiness.

The only book I can remember giving up on is 'Birdsong'. People kept telling me to keep at it but I was chapters in and nothing had happened. I even managed to finish 'Nothing Happened' although I haven't a clue what happened in it now. I must be lightweight.

I started reading War and Peace, but gave up completly when I got to the part when Prince Andre's wife Lisa dies in childbirth.The way Tolstoy describes it is horrific, I could not stop crying over poor Lisa.
I almost died giving birth so that was why it affected me so much.
I also give up on Jane Austen.None of her books do anything for me.

I tried to read something by Gerald Durrell's brother (what was his name again?), because my clever friends were reading him, got to a bit where he's describing a little girl skinny-dipping and he mentions "the white flash of her purse" - I thought "uh-oh, this guy's a paedo" and dropped it. (Subsequent revelations, actually, suggest that I was right.) Anyway, I'll stick with "My Family and Other Animals" thank you!
As for sci-fi, I used to love Kurt Vonnegut - quirky, humane and moral in the widest sense.
And I once read a lovely novella by Judith Merrill, called "Homecalling", about two children marooned on a strange planet, and their interaction with the local aliens, who are hideously ugly but kind and intelligent and organised like a bee colony. I've been looking for something else by her but never found any; has anyone else come acros her? Oh and of course there's Naomi Mitchison!

I was reading Bel Canto for our book club - paperback version - and had to give up because I could not read the small, grey print. Have now given up my variphocals and have had specific reading glasses made. At least things are easier to read now.

I found that Margaret Drabble's early books were far more accessible than her later ones and I haven't bothered with them in recent years. I could say the same about Iris Murdoch whose works also became increasingly obscure.

My neighbour was addicted to Tolkien and lent me The Hobbit. She was totally puzzled when I said I couldn't see why anyone would want to bother reading it. I have tried reading both it and Lord of the Rings since and still can't be bothered! It's not an attention thing - I just thought they were incredibly boring. I find anything by Stephen Fry pretentious self-satisfied garbage and won't bother again, and I struggle with Margaret Drabble - gave up on Seven Sisters and the Red Queen but conscience dictates that I must have another go at some stage. I am currently reading A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson - being able to dip in and out of various chapters suits my attention span at the moment....

I almost gave up on 'Kevin'. I read about half-way through it and skimmed the rest because I had to, for our book group. I thought it was one of the most obnoxious books I've ever had the misfortune to read!

Recently read A Week in December by Faulks, I thought it was really good and well written. It's about the interconnected lives of unconnected Londoners

I loved 'Birdsong' and 'Charlotte Grey' both by Sebastian Foulkes - however haven't enjoyed any of his others ie: Engelby' etc. Have any of you tried Cormac McCarthy's books. Some of them very dark and violent - he wrote 'No Country for Old Men' and 'The Road' both filmed. I've read most of his and love them. Hated 'We Need to Talk about Kevein' too.

I've just deleted a book from my kindle too jangly, "Behind the scenes at the museum" by Kate Atkinson. I tried twice to get into it but have decided that it's not worth the effort when there are so many other books that appeal to me

I have just had to delete a book from my kindle for the first time. Simon Scarrow. All battles. No love. Complete waste of money.

If it had be a paperback at least it could have gone to Oxfam.

OOps, posted that twice - and it wasn't even interesting, sorry!

I can't 'do' gory, numberplease!

I can't 'do' gory, numberplease!

Thanks numberplease; think I've found the perfect book for my holiday read!

Biggran, I enjoyed The Kite Runner, but not as much as his other book, A Thousand Splendid Suns, I just couldn`t put it down, have you read that one?
Greenmossgiel, no, I haven`t read that one by Nicci French, but I tend to find what I have read a bit tame, but then I like my books a bit gory!

I very nearly gave up on Blue Monday by Nicci French. Normally I get through their books really quickly and go looking for more, but as I read in the acknowledgements section at the end of the book (when I'd finally finished it), they are trying out a different style. I'm glad I finished it, because it had a sharp twist at the end, but I was just a bit disappointed. Has anyone else read it?

I feel out of kilter here. I could not get on with The Kite Runner. I am fascinated by Afghanistan and usually read everything about it, but I got to the rape scene and thought that actually I really did not want to know about that. Sorry. But, there again I enjoyed The da Vinci Code. It is just a fast paced thriller, I never did understand all the furore about it being true. But I could not follow the one set in Washington (can't remember the name). When the geography and layout of a place is so important to understanding what is going on they really ought to include a map or plan.

Sorry, GG, I'd gone elsewhere for a while. Hope you have had a nice nap from gn!

Yes, do persevere with Captain Corelli. powerful book in many ways and all that crimson says.

Agree about persevering with Captain Corelli. Was bitterly disappointed with the film, just wanted to scream out loud 'Pelagia would NOT behave like that!'. A true feminist book as well and quite beautifully written. I couldn't put The Kite Runner down, even at a time when I struggle to read [no concentration these days]. Will make a note of books mentioned on the reading threads in an attempt to kick start my reading on holiday.

Yes. I've gone, thanks! phew you've made me feel so tired, may have to have a little liedown first........

GG, ditto re MA! Love her and can't remember titles. What I can do, though, is tell you to get a move on. I haven't been near the computer for hours, am absolutely nowhere near it now and am cleaning windows, cooking a feast for 20, digging a new herbaceous border, polishing the family silver (teaspoon), tiling the bathroom, burying the cat (dead) all at the same time whilst also knitting a bobble hat. Has that shamed you into shifting?
Enjoy your evening!

OK. Baggy love Margaret Atwood, but have had senior moment and can not think of the names of any of them . I think she is one of our best modern day writers,who writes intelligently and for grown ups. Now Baggy, can you do me a favour, I have been on Gransnet more or less all morning, can you tell me to get off it now and go and do the bloomin' housework and start thinking what I am giving our three guests for dinner tonight!